Youngster trains with dad to run marathon

Heather Jan Brunt

Seven-year-old Ross Geary is following in his marathon dad’s footsteps by preparing to take part in the Berkhamsted Rotary five mile run on Sunday (March 1).

A pupil at Greenway School, Ross, who comes from Berkhamsted, is running in aid of The Hospice of St Francis.

He has been inspired by his dad Simon who regularly runs marathons to support the charity, and has raised well over £3k to date.

Ross, who collected £150 in one day, is hoping to raise at least £250 for the hospice and has been out running with his dad at weekends and during half term, participating in 5km park runs together and taking to the streets of Berkhamsted to practice.

Proud dad Mr Geary said: “I am just so proud of Ross! He loves to run and puts all his energy into it - in fact it’s the only time he stops talking!

“Because of his size we’ve encountered a few challenges and were all in hysterics when he put on his purple hospice running vest and it touched his toes!

“Luckily his Nana has been kind enough to shorten it so he doesn’t trip up round the route. The only problem we now have is that his feet are so small and he still wears velcro trainers so we don’t know how we will attach his timing chip - we might have to use cable ties.”

Fran Martin, senior community fundraiser at the hospice, said there would be 30 hospice volunteers marshalling along the route.